What’s better than traveling with a group of your peers on the adventure of a lifetime? Getting academic credit for it, of course!
Explorica is part of WorldStrides, which is accredited by the same accrediting bodies that certify academic standards in your school. That also means we’re able to offer the best of both worlds: travel and academic credit, all wrapped into one. Travelers can take what they’ve learned on tour and apply it to online coursework, allowing them to expand upon their tour in an academic setting.
Read on to learn more about Explorica’s academic credit and professional development opportunities for students and teachers.
For students
Free high school credit
Middle and high school students traveling with Explorica can earn free high school credit for their trip. To participate, students simply choose a subject from our custom-designed course options, then work at their own pace to complete fun online classes within three months of their tour.
College prep credit
Our partnership with the University of California, San Diego – Extension (UCSD) allows us to offer college prep credit to our high school travelers. To participate, students choose from two course options (1 or 3 credits), then work at their own pace to complete online classes that help extend their learning after their trip. This coursework must be completed within three months of the tour. The cost of credits are based on UCSD’s competitive fees.
For teachers
Free professional development
Educators traveling on an Explorica tour, either as a program leader or chaperone, can earn free professional development for their tour. A professional development certificate will be issued for up to 35 points/hours or 3.5 CEUs based on the length of the tour.
Graduate credit
Our Curriculum and Academics team, in conjunction with our university partnership, University of California, San Diego – Extension (UCSD), offers teachers the opportunity to earn graduate credit. For a special educators’ discount, traveling teachers are invited to participate in our online graduate credit course. This course is available each year.
For more information, contact academiccredit@explorica.com or professionaldevelopment@explorica.com.
Where do you want to go next? Browse our tours to see where you can travel while earning academic credit or professional development points!